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The NAMI NJ Freedom from Stigma Campaign was
initiated to combat hurtful and negative stereotypes perpetuated
about people with mental illness and about serious mental illnesses
themselves. The 2004 NAMI Conference was devoted to the Freedom
from Stigma theme, and awards were presented to individuals and
groups who have successfully fought stigma.
A writing contest has accepted entries on
the themes of wellness, recovery, hope and advocacy will result
in the Journal for Freedom against Stigma at the end of 2004.
The Campaign culminated in the 2004
NAMI NJ's Freedom from Stigma Walk on October 10, which
drew hundreds of walkers from across the state to demonstrate their
support for stamping out stigma.
Read the Freedom from Stigma Bulletins
for more on the Campaign:
 Bulletin
1 Bulletin
2 Bulletin
3
The freedom from Stigma Campaign follows
in the footsteps of the Anti-Stigma Campaign, when NAMI NJ worked
successfully with the Trentonian, a Mercer County newspaper to educate
the public about mental illness. Stories on NAMI NJ consumers and
family members appeared in The Trentonian during the first week
of October in 2003 and 2002 to recognize Mental Illness Awareness
Week (MIAW).
Click on any of the following links to read
these stories: (you will need Adobe Acrobat to view these pdf files).
October 5, 2003 |
Overcoming Depression is No Easy Task & page 2 |
October 6, 2003 |
One Man's Victory Over Schizophrenia |
October7, 2003 |
Dad Finds Help in Coping with Child's Mental Illness |
October 8, 2003 |
Spouse Finds Support in Caring for Mentally Ill Husband |
October 9, 2003 |
Caring Requires Time, Love and Patience |
October 10, 2003 |
Road to Recovery Rarely Smooth |
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October 6, 2002
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Woman Conquering War Over Schizophrenia & page 2 of the article. |
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October 7, 2002
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First Hand Knowledge, & page 2 of the article. |
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October 8, 2002
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More than the Blues, and page 2 of the article. |
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October 9, 2002
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Learning to Cope |
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October 10, 2002
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Coping, Not Suffering |
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October 11, 2002
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Helping Those in Need |
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October 12, 2002
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A Parent's Nightmare and page 2 of the article. |
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October 13, 2002
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Praise The Lord
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These articles were written by Trentonian reporters after
meeting with NAMI NJ consumers and families. The Trentonian
and NAMI NJ met under adversarial circumstances, with NAMI
NJ advocates protesting a stigmatizing headline, which could
have succeeded in setting back the cause of mental health
advocacy a few years. However, this headline set in motion
a series of events which succeeded in advancing the cause
of advocacy a great deal.
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